President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, as a “true man of peace,” commending his efforts at fostering political unity across the state, following the defection of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Legal Adviser, Emmanuel Enoidem, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akpabio gave the commendation when Governor Eno led a high-powered delegation of political leaders from the state to his residence in Uyo to formally notify him of Enoidem’s decision to join the APC.
Enoidem, who served as Commissioner for eight years during Akpabio’s tenure as governor, later emerged as PDP National Legal Adviser and contested against Akpabio in the last senatorial election for Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District.
Receiving the delegation, Akpabio said no sacrifice was too great in the pursuit of peace and unity in Akwa Ibom State, stressing that political harmony was critical to sustained development.
According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong, the Senate President noted that Governor Eno’s actions went beyond electoral considerations.
“Many would think that you have wasted your energy and time fishing for your children wherever they are. You are quenching the fire before the fire starts. All you want is peace,” Akpabio was quoted as saying.
“If Akwa Ibom cannot remember you for anything else, they will remember you as a true man of peace.”
He recalled incidents of political violence during his second-term campaign as governor, including the burning of vehicles and campaign offices.
“Don’t think you are wasting your time. Take a look at what happened during the Yuletide at the Christmas Village; the people were overjoyed and you could see the peace everywhere. The Bible says, ‘when the righteous is on the throne, the people rejoice,’” he added.
In his remarks, Governor Eno said the visit was to formally inform Akpabio of Enoidem’s decision to join the APC, describing him as one of the illustrious sons of the state whose political journey was closely linked to the Senate President.
“There is a time for everything. We have agreed to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term and to support you, the Senate President, to return to the Senate and, by the grace of God, retain your position,” Governor Eno said.
“Today, we are walking the talk that Akwa Ibom is united and that we can work together.”
Also speaking, Enoidem described Governor Eno as a “great unifier,” noting that the governor had persistently persuaded him to align with the APC in the interest of peace and unity.
Addressing Akpabio, Enoidem said, “Your Excellency, I thank you for connecting me back to my former boss. We may have had political disagreements, but Senator Akpabio has remained my boss. Even before today, I had told the governor that I would work for him to return to the Senate.”
Also at the meeting was the State chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Udeme Otong; the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Yeah, members of the federal and state legislature, members of the state executive council, among many others.
Enoidem is expected to be formally received into the APC at a rally scheduled to hold on Friday in Utu Etim Ekpo, Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
